What are the benefits of the sensory rooms? The human brain is designed to produce and regulate responses to the body's sensory experience. Those things we touch, see, smell, taste, and hear. This link between the brain and out behavior is called "sensory integration." For most people, this is a normal and typically overlooked part of
What are the benefits of the sensory rooms? The human brain is designed to produce and regulate responses to the body's sensory experience. Those things we touch, see, smell, taste, and hear. This link between the brain and out behavior is called "sensory integration." For most people, this is a normal and typically overlooked part of their daily experience. For individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, including Autism, the way the brain processes these experiences can be a major source of distress and discomfort.
Some cases, the brain will over-react to sensory stimuli. Other times, the brain may not react enough. An individual's sensory experiences go beyond the five senses and negatively stimulate some deeper sensory responses, known as the tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive sensory systems.
Tactile refers to our sense of touch. Tactile input refers to the sensory messages that are received through the skin. Information received through touching allows us to learn about the different qualities of objects (soft, hard, cold furry). Touching also gives information about our own bodies. By helping the individual touch different types of things, we help individuals to learn more about their body and their environment.
The vestibular system senses movement and its sensors are in the inner ear. Our ability to balance and tolerate movement relies on the vestibular system. Experiencing movement can improve balance and postural control. The vestibular system also have strong ties to the visual system and helps us to know where we are in relation to the environment. The vestibular system also has a strong influence on an individual’s level of alertness and attention.
Proprioceptive refers to sensory information that comes from the body itself. This includes the muscles and joints. This input tells us where our bodies are in relation to the environment. It also helps us know where our arms, legs, and body are when we move them. Many housework-type activities and general exercises are useful to increase proprioceptive input.